ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions will host the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football next October, marking the Lions' first appearance in the prime-time game since 2001.

The story was first reported by Fox Sports, hours before the National Football League released its official schedule for 2011.

The game will take place October 10, at Ford Field, in the first ever Monday Night Football game hosted by the Lions inside the nine year old stadium.

The Minnesota Vikings hosted the New York Giants at Ford Field last December, after the roof of the Metrodome collapsed.

The Lions finished the 2010 season 6-10 overall, and ride the momentum of a four-game winning streak into next season.

Chicago reached the NFC Championship game last season, before losing to eventual Super Champion Green Bay.

Click here to see Detroit's entire 2011 schedule.

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